Aminomethylation of Aryl Bromides by Nickel-Catalyzed Electrochemical Redox Neutral Cross Coupling

Abstract

We develop an electrochemical nickel-catalyzed aminomethylation of aryl bromides under mild conditions. The convergent paired electrolysis makes full use of anode and cathode processes, free of a terminal oxidant, a sacrificial anode, a metal reductant, and a prefunctionalized radical precursor. In addition, this method exhibits wide functional group tolerance (63 examples), including some sensitive substituents and aromatic heterocycles. This redox neutral cross coupling provides a more environmentally friendly and synthetic practical protocol for forging C(sp²)-C(sp³) bonds.